Early PHQ-9 implementation at an outpatient psychiatric clinic

Among individuals aged 18 and older presenting as new clients for psychiatric care at an outpatient mental health clinic, does early implementation of the PHQ-9 at time of patient inquiry compared with current practice of PHQ-9 distribution after the initial conversation with the RN decrease the time between patient inquiry and pre-visit PHQ-9 completion? An 8-week quality improvement (QI) initiative undertaken using IHI Model for Improvement rapid PDSA cycles to implement portal-embedded, pre-visit PHQ-9 at inquiry, supported by protocol-driven triage, chart flagging, and stratified scheduling. The primary outcome measure was time from patient inquiry to PHQ-9 completion, measured pre- and post-implementation. Results showed a modest reduction in time to PHQ-9 completion that did not reach statistical significance as well as a larger statistically significant reduction in time from PHQ-9 completion to initial visit (the secondary outcome) suggesting early assessment visibility and chart flagging has the potential to shorten access timelines when operationalized. Additional exploration and clinical implementation longer than 8 weeks in a similar outpatient psychiatric setting is warranted.

Author dc:creator

• Castro, Marco (Marco A.)

Contributors dc:contributor

• Munyan, Kristen

• Depression, Mental--Diagnosis
• Psychiatric clinics

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

dnp:95
oclc:1601633872
local:R_5PbMYzePwkpqxdD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:d.lib.msu.edu:dnp_95